A couple of available bundles with audio recording devices – who are they for and what’s inside

Here are two notable kits for amateur recording. We look at their components, share links to reviews and note the main characteristics.

Recording kit Behringer VOICE STUDIO - Audiomania.com
Recording kit Behringer VOICE STUDIO – Audiomania.com

[12 239] Behringer VOICE STUDIO Is the official bundle pack offered by the manufacturer to aspiring musicians, podcasters and streamers. For them, he prepared a Behringer C-1 condenser microphone along with a MIC500USB USB interface.

Earlier we talked about the USB version of this T-shirt – it is suitable for those who use a microphone for common tasks and do not want to acquire several devices at once – on the contrary, they plan to connect C-1U to a computer or laptop directly.

The bundle contains the classic version of the microphone with a stand holder and an XLR cable – it can be connected to the MIC500USB amplifier. The stand itself will need to be taken separately – and don’t forget the pop filter – depending on how the C-1 will be positioned in your workplace. In general, this microphone is one of the most affordable, and it is not surprising that it constantly criticized in reviews, in particular, the USB version gets. However, we must admit that in combination with even the simplest amplifiers, C-1 writes very decent sound

The microphone has a cardioid pick-up pattern and a 16 mm diaphragm. The capsule is mounted on an anti-vibration suspension and covered with a rigid mesh, but an additional windscreen is still recommended – unfortunately, it is not included in the package. The device weighs 420 grams, and its height is 180 mm – this is the average for the basic segment of such technology. The microphone also requires phantom power [индикатор есть на передней стороне устройства] – that’s what the MIC500USB provides.

Preamplifier Behringer MIC500USB - Audiomania.com
Preamplifier Behringer MIC500USB – Audiomania.com

The device is also available outside the kit [6 390]… This is a tube preamplifier. It offers a mic input [XLR], instrumental and linear [1/4″ Jack TRS]… There are Phones and Direct outputs on jacks too. The USB interface is powered by a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter that supports a sampling rate of 48 kHz. A USB cable is included. As we noted above, of course, there is phantom power, filters and other settings for adjusting the parameters of the audio signal.

The amplifier does not take up much table space. It has a compact size [62 x 135 x 132 мм при весе в 700 г]… The reviews highlight the high build quality and the smooth running of the controls on steel case devices. In addition, the manufacturer offers a set of free plugins for those who register it after purchasing on the company’s website.


[23 999] Bundle Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen selected for beginner musicians and suitable for recording vocal and instrumental parts. The first thing to look out for is the Scarlett CM25 MkIII condenser microphone with cardioid directivity. Like most analogs, it runs on phantom power. The diaphragm diameter of this microphone model is 20 mm, the output connector is a classic XLR, and the dimensions do not protrude beyond the average for inexpensive “condensers” [158 мм — высота, 496 г — вес]…

IN reviews speak well about the build quality and the appearance of the case, but they recommend taking not the cheapest stands for this microphone in order to minimize parasitic sounds from sharp touches of the table and working with the keyboard – unfortunately, it picks up them quite well. If you are planning to use the CM25 MkIII for calls or streaming, use a pop filter / windscreen, then the interlocutors will be happy with the sound of your voice.

From the point of view of the low cost of the bundle, the microphone is quite decent here. Although, if you wish, you can easily find analogues – for example, in our reviews on Habré.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen Kit
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen Kit

The next component in the package is the Scarlett HP60 MkIII closed-back headphones. Their membrane diameter is 50 mm, weight – 288 g, cable length – about three meters with a 1/8 ” Jack TRS output. In appearance, the model is often compared to Audio-Technica ATH-M30X, however, it is slightly inferior to them, although it does not have any pronounced shortcomings. Sounding here neutral, there is good detail, in particular vocals and spoken content. In general, nothing more is required to work on amateur recording tasks.

The only noticeable drawback is the non-detachable cable with a tendency to tangling.

The third and central element of the bundle is the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen portable audio interface. Its dimensions [143,5 x 43,5 x 95,8 мм] and weight [320 г] do indeed fit this definition. There are a couple of inputs: XLR with phantom power and a 1/4 ” TRS instrument input.

Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen audio interface
Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen audio interface – Audiomania.com

The AD / DA conversion here is 24-bit with a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz, which surpasses the capabilities of the MIC500USB. The connection to the computer is implemented here via USB-C.

In addition to the devices, the package includes a USB-C-USB-A cable, a miniJack-Jack adapter, a three-meter XLR cable and a threaded adapter for installing a microphone. Also, the manufacturer is ready to share keys for Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First, plugins and presets.


Other collections on the topic of acoustics on our Habré:


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